child enrichment programs in Amherst, MA

From the sprawling campus to the unique amenities, like the Mead Art Museum and the Amherst College Museum of Natural History, there’s something for everyone. Enrollment in Amherst College's iD Tech summer program is a great way for parents and kids to get a taste of collegiate life. With a sprawling 1,000-acre campus that includes athletic facilities, a wildlife sanctuary, a forest for studying ecology, and multiple trails and biking paths, it's no wonder Amherst College is such a sought-after option for students interested in exploring the great outdoors. On top of that, the college is home to the Mead Art Museum, the Amherst Center for Russian Culture, and the Wilder Observatory, making it a truly unique experience.

At the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the M5 makerspace is the perfect place to explore your interests in electronics and computing. Spanning 5,000 square feet, the space is packed with state-of-the-art equipment and resources. Whether you’re an undergraduate or a graduate student, M5 provides an environment to experiment, collaborate, and learn. M5’s mission at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is to provide a platform for students to pursue their technical interests. Through hands-on learning, social interaction, and entrepreneurial activities, students can develop their creative and technical skills. With the resources at M5, students can apply their knowledge and foster their innovation.

Catherine Iselin's classes provide a great opportunity for budding musicians to learn the basics of reading music alongside piano technique and music theory. With the focus on classical music from the baroque era to the modern day, students can also pick their own musical styles, like rock, jazz, folk, and contemporary. To help students build fine motor skills and hand coordination, various clapping and tapping exercises are incorporated into the lessons. This approach gives students the tools to confidently process and perform challenging rhythms and polyrhythms. Catherine Iselin's classes offer a unique experience for young musicians to excel in music reading skills. By blending classical music with modern styles, students can learn the fundamentals of music theory and piano technique, while also getting a chance to explore their personal preferences. With the use of clapping and tapping exercises, Catherine Iselin helps students to develop their hand coordination and fine motor skills, ultimately enabling them to take on more advanced rhythms and polyrhythms.

Ignacy Gaydamovich is an award-winning cellist making waves in the classical music world. His impressive list of credentials includes an active soloist, recitalist, teacher, chamber musician, researcher, and recording artist. He recently performed Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 and his latest CD, recorded with his father, features unpublished works by Lukas Foss and works by Schumann and Schubert. Veronika Schreiber-Kadlubkiewicz has also made a name for herself in the classical music world. She graduated from the Warsaw Academy of Music in Poland with highest honors and continued her studies in the USA with esteemed teachers. She has also been a finalist of the Alberto Curci Competition in Naples, Italy, and received a special award from the Rockefeller Competition for Excellence in American Music.

Contra dancing is a modern take on a traditional form of social dancing. Its roots can be traced back to the English and French court dances of the 1700s, similar to square dancing. However, Contra dancing is far from old-fashioned, and new music, dances, moves, and combinations are constantly being created in the moment. No classes are necessary, and you don’t need special clothes or boots. People often dance barefoot or in soft-soled shoes, and improvisation is encouraged. You may hear traditional terms like ‘do-si-do’ and ‘swing your partner’, but the dances are gender neutral and roles are equal. It’s best to start with one role and become comfortable with it before trying the other. Contra dancing is a great way to try something new and make friends in the process. It’s an upbeat, modern take on a classic form of social dancing, perfect for parents looking for a fun activity to do with their family. So if you’re interested in trying something new, why not give Contra dancing a go?

Joy Art Space, founded by Lily Joy Friedling, brings her professional development to teachers and preservice teachers at Canisius College. Through her workshops, she works to integrate the arts into their practice. As an art teacher, she believes it is important to help students find their artistic voice and to learn how to express their unique ideas through artwork. Lily loves seeing her students become comfortable with new art materials, and the joy they experience when they surprise themselves with what they are capable of. She values providing her students with an opportunity to explore and develop their creative skills. Her passion for art and her commitment to helping her students become more confident with their creative potential makes her an invaluable teacher.

Riding horses is an experience like no other. It allows us to bond and become one with our beloved equine partners. From the moment we first get on a horse, we can feel the connection and the trust that develops between us and our horse. For those of us who have been riding for years, we know the joy of soaring over jumps and galloping across fields with a magnificent creature. At Infinity Equestrian, we strive to create an environment where horse and rider can come together in harmony and support each other's growth. We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and friendship!

At Moving Zen, participants have fun in a safe and respectful environment while developing confidence, well-being, and a sense of mastery. Through the practice of karate, children learn to focus and build self-discipline, while adults gain physical fitness, stress relief, and skills for self-defense. Our classes provide a great way for students to gain physical and mental strength while having fun. Our instructors are certified and experienced in teaching traditional Japanese karate. They are dedicated to helping each student reach their goals, from learning basic martial arts skills to mastering advanced techniques. Our classes foster a sense of respect, self-discipline, and self-improvement among all participants.

Welcome to our family-owned and operated equine facility! We offer riding lessons in hunt seat and dressage for all ages and abilities. Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for both horse and rider, ensuring a positive learning experience. We also host several horse shows and clinics on the farm throughout the year. Our mission is to help our riders reach excellence in horsemanship, by providing continuing education and valuable experience. Come visit us and gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a better horse and rider. We look forward to having you join us!

Bellydance classes are an exciting way to learn a skill, make new friends, and express yourself through dance. Sahina is a bellydance performer, instructor, and costume designer based in Western Massachusetts since 2006. She focuses on inspiring her students to create an environment of creativity and expression. Sahina produces student showcases to provide a supportive atmosphere for students to show off their dancing. Additionally, she emphasizes musicality and knowledge of the various bellydance styles. With her classes, you will be able to perfect your technique and have a great time. Sahina is dedicated to helping her students reach their full potential. Whether you are looking to learn a new skill, make new friends, or express yourself through dance, Sahina's bellydance classes are the perfect way to do so. Her classes emphasize musicality and knowledge of the exciting variety of bellydance styles. Additionally, she provides a safe and supportive environment for students to practice and show off their gorgeous dancing. If you are interested in scheduling a performance or taking classes, please visit the links below for more information.